How do I find on my computer where it tells whether my computer has a 64 or 32 bit processor?

Question

I have a Dell computer and it is currently running Windows XP. I ran a program called Tune-up System Optimizer and it says that I have a 64 bit processor but my computer is only using 32 of the available 64 bits. I want to check this out for myself...I have looked under everything I can think of in the control panel but I have not been able to locate any information that says anything about 64 or even 32 bits.

Answer 1

You need the 64bit version of windows. xp & vista both come in 64bit editions. actually, the software support for 64 isn't quite there yet for most applications. You can also run into a ton of problems finding drivers for 64 bit edition for most of your peripherals. Especially in vista, since it doesn't accept unsigned drivers. Almost impossible to find drivers for x64. If you play any games, you'll run into problems there as well.

x64 will definately take over eventually but it's really just not at the mainstream level yet. Any type of software support is gonna be minimal at best.
If you want to try it out the best advice is to use a 2nd drive or partition your main drive and keep your current windows available with a dual boot option.

Answer 2

Not sure if windows will tell you. The only sure way is to know what processor you have in your system. Intel Pentium4D (D=DualCore), AMD Athlon 64, AMD Athlon FX and I think some Opteron's are 64 bit processors. If your computer is older than 2 years or is a manufactured (dell, gateway, hp, etc...) then it is most likely a 32 bit processor. Unless you have the documentation that came with your computer, or able to look up your computer specs from the manufacturer website (dell) then unfortunately this will require you to physically open your box, unhook the fan/heatsink and check the processor (you shouldnt need to pull the processor itself but will need to remove the fan/heatsink).

Answer 3

If it has a Core 2 Duo CPU, it will run at 64 bits. Later P4s also could do this. You will probably find out via:

http://techreport.com/cpu/index.x?sort=name

To use the CPU at 64 bits, you need an appropriate OS like Windows XP Pro x64 or 64 bit Vista plus applications compiled to run at 64 bits like some of mine in:

http://freespace.virgin.net/roy.longbottom/win64.zip
http://freespace.virgin.net/roy.longbottom/more64bit.zip
http://freespace.virgin.net/roy.longbottom/video64.zip

If you try to run one of the programs on non-64 bit Windows, a message box indicates that it not a valid Win32 program.

Roy

Answer 4

Find out what your processor is. Athlon 64 is obviously 64 bits. The Core Duo's are also 64 bits. Just click on Systems in Control Panel. That'll tell you what processor you have.

Answer 5

Your operating system would need to be setup to take advantage of 64 bits instead of 32. I think the only way to check is with programs like Tuneup System Optimizer.. perhaps one of Norton Utilities.

Answer 6

Unless you paid a lot of money, it's a 32-bit processor.

64 bit is very high end.

Answer 7

Check your invoice from Dell, or enter the service tag into the dell support website. It'll tell you what's in your particular computer (usually. I've seen it lie).

OR try right-click on my computer, select properties, and it'll show you the type of CPU on the main page.

Do NOT do what I did. I opened it up and tried to count the bits. :)

Answer 8

in the start menu, click run then type in dxdiag. hit enter. this tell about your system. if it doesn't say the processor is 64bit on the page, then it's not.

Answer 9

If it doesn't show it under device manager>processor, then you need to go to your manual,or call Dell.